Definition ∞ An immutable ledger is a record-keeping system where entries, once added, cannot be altered or deleted. This characteristic is fundamental to blockchain technology, where cryptographic hashing links each new block of transactions to the previous one, creating an unchangeable historical record. The integrity of an immutable ledger is maintained through decentralized consensus mechanisms, making it highly resistant to fraud and tampering. This property provides a high degree of transparency and trust in recorded data.
Context ∞ The concept of an immutable ledger is central to the security and trustworthiness of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications. Discussions often concern the implications of immutability for data privacy regulations and the need for upgradeable smart contracts. Future developments explore hybrid ledger solutions that balance immutability with flexibility for specific use cases. News frequently references this core property when discussing blockchain reliability.
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